IOWA ACADEMY OP SCIENCE 
15 
geology, the keystone in the scientific part of a general education, resting upon 
the facts of physics, chemistry an biology, binding them all together, and com- 
pleting a solid, well-grounded arch, above which may be reared philosophy con- 
cerning the past, present and future. Without the use of the facts, principles and 
logical deductions of geology, there can be no proper, well-grounded conception 
,of what the earth has been and now is; no proper conception of the working 
of Deity in the universe; no proper conception of what life has been, and no 
proper view of the relationships of present life; thus no adequate comprehension 
of that great branch of modern reasoning expressed in that far-reaching, com- 
monly misunderstood word, evolution. Here, too, side views of physiography and 
meteorology, so necessary to an understanding of the sequence and effects of 
base leveling, rejuvenation and climatic changes of the past, as well as of the 
climate and topography of the present, can and must be presented for those who 
may have neglected courses in those subjects. 
Thus geology, the final scientific subject required for a general education, is 
so broad in its scope, so deep in its subject-matter, and so high in its relation 
to other studies, that, when thus presented, it should be left till the latter part 
of the college course. 
In the various colleges here represented the details of the courses of necessity 
differ. The plans for each student who wishes to specialize in science are well 
and carefully laid; but can we not, for the sake of a well rounded education, see 
that those who do not wish to specialize in science and while seeking what they 
imagine to be a general education, neglect science, shall be required to study 
these fundamental facts, principles and theories so necessary to a good general 
education? 
